The Lithuanian Social Democratic Party announced on the 6th of June that it is leaving the current coalition, and everything indicates that the main reason for the coalition’s collapse is the presence of the Nemunas Dawn party in the government.
The Social Democrats’ letter, which reached journalists, cites Nemunas Dawn’s failure to support the new military training ground in Kapčamiestis as the main reason for leaving the coalition, although the party had previously said it would do so. It also highlights the harmful actions of Nemunas Dawns leader Remigijus Žemaitaitis. Despite having already been convicted of anti-Semitism, Žemaitaitis continued to make hostile public statements, and as a result, he brought on himself several more investigations, including for claiming that the restoration of Lithuania’s independence was a coup.
The Social Democrats indicated that they had hoped that the populists would become more civilized and control their behavior, but it turned out that their hopes were in vain.
Ratings may also play a role. The Social Democrats are showing relatively weak performance in the latest polls, and as the local elections scheduled for next year approach, some experts have expressed concerns that Nemunas Dawn could destroy the Social Democrats, especially in rural areas.
At the same time, nothing has been said out loud about the possible corruption in the ranks of Nemunas Dawn and the potential connection with Russian and Belarusian political figures, and the presence of organized crime in the party.
The Social Democrats have announced that they will begin negotiations with the democratic party For Lithuania,
which was previously in the government. The party left the coalition when former Prime Minister, Social Democrat Gintautas Paluckas, resigned due to corruption charges.
There have been rumors before that the Social Democrats wanted For Lithuania to replace Nemunas Dawn, but the main obstacle was the party leader Saulius Skvernelis. However, he had to resign due to another corruption case, and the position was taken by Virginijus Sinkevičius. The MEP is ready to cooperate with the Social Democrats, and on the 6th of June said that the party is ready to take responsibility for leading the country.
On the 8th of June, the leader of the Social Democrats, Mindaugas Sinkevičius, indicated that one or two ministers could change, but the main issue is the position of Prime Minister. After Paluckas resigned, Sinkevičius did not run for MP and did not claim the position of minister, but this could change. He said he was not seeking to replace Inga Ruginieneė, but several sources have suggested that Sinkevičius is still hoping for the prime minister’s post.
Current Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys is the Lithuanian president’s main ally in the government, so it can be assumed that Gitanas Nausėda will want to keep him there. True, Budry’s rhetoric has differed sharply from the rest of the coalition, especially regarding the restoration of ties with Belarus. He continued to cool down other politicians’ claims that Lithuania could find a way to talk to the Minsk regime or even restore the transit of mineral fertilizers through Lithuanian territory.
Politicians have now been given two weeks to reach an agreement.
Read the full article in English here: https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2954148/what-s-happening-with-the-lithuanian-government-explainer
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